Get ready to say “hello” to airline specials and seat sales! As an avid traveller who does not enjoy spending full price on tickets, I’ve researched every possible way of saving on air travel. From flying non-peak times to booking red-eyes, to having random connections (why fly to New Orleans with connections in DC and Las Vegas?) I’ve done it all. However, thanks to technology, I’ve been able to find the cheapest tickets (sometimes these are mistake fares, yay, me!) and now I am sharing my tips with you. You’re welcome.

[Photo by Deanna Ritchie on Unsplash]

Scott’s Cheap Flights

A friend shared this site with me a few years ago, and I am eternally grateful to her. Scott’s Cheap Flights (founded by a guy named Scott) scours the Internet for the cheapest flights from your preferred departure airport. The displayed flights include seat sales, discounted tickets, and the unicorn of travel — mistake fares. The site is free to use, however, a premium membership of US $49 per year is available. You should buy it. The premium membership allows members to access the site’s best deals; see five times more deals than free users; and get alerted when airlines accidentally publish the wrong prices or offer deals on flights that rarely go on sale. Recently-expired deals from Toronto included roundtrip fares to London for $400; Belize for $247; and Marrakech for $555.

Hopper

Not technically a website, but it is my favourite travel booking app! Hopper’s algorithm analyzes tens of thousands of flights to not only display the cheapest ticket for your desired travel dates but also predicts how the price in the ticket will change. If you’re flexible, Hopper will show you how much you’ll save by changing your travel dates, and gives you a gentle nudge when it believes the cost of your ticket will increase. Hopper is free to download on both Android and iOS devices.

Google Flights

You may forgive the technology behemoth for spying, err tracking, err, remembering our favourite things, when you discover the joy that is Google Flights. After punching in your destination and departure dates, Google Flights will show you all the available prices and the reasons behind them. That deal to DC may look too good to be true; then you realize it includes two stops. Now, not all stops are bad if they are under two hours. The website’s calendar shows you the price fluctuation of your trip and will allow you to book up to 11 months in advance. It also suggests trips that you can take by displaying current deals.

Bonus info.

No trip is complete without having some insider knowledge about airport lounges and which seats are the best in your aircraft.

SeatGuru

Initially, a website, SeatGuru helps travellers to choose the right seat during the online check-in process. Want to know which row has a power outlet, extra legroom or far from the bathroom? SeatGuru has you covered. Just plug in your flight number, and the App will identify the type of plane you’ll be flying on and display a colour-coded map or the best to worst seats on your flight. The App is free and available both for Android and iOS.

LoungeBuddy

Even if you’re flying hostility class (coach) add a little luxury to your airport experience with LoungeBuddy. The App allows travellers to view, book, and access approximately 2,500 airport lounges around the world. LoungeBuddy even enables you to virtually peer behind the opaque doors that separate quiet airport lounges from the mayhem outside, before paying. Download for free on either Android or iOS and kick back and relax in a well-appointed airport lounge on your next trip.